Air conditioning system, control method for air conditioning system and program

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system capable of automatically controlling a set temperature of an air conditioner in accordance with a plan.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system air-conditions an air-conditioned space by using an air conditioner. The air conditioning system includes: an automatic control section that automatically controls a set temperature of the air conditioner; and a management section that manages a plan of a service related to the air conditioner contracted by a user. The automatic control section generates both of a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed when the plan managed by the management section is a first plan, and generates the longer first period compared to the first plan when the plan managed by the management section is a second plan different from the first plan.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a control method for an air conditioning system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling an air conditioner so that the set temperature of the air conditioner changes stepwise in response to changes in the outside air temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-061716 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, an air conditioning system control method, and a program that can automatically control the set temperature of an air conditioner in accordance with a plan. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The air conditioning system of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit, and includes an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning unit, and a management unit that manages service plans related to the air conditioning unit to which a user has contracted, and when the plan managed by the management unit is a first plan, the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, and when the plan managed by the management unit is a second plan different from the first plan, the automatic control unit generates the first period that is longer than the first plan.

[0006] Furthermore, the control method for an air conditioning system in the present disclosure is a control method for an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit, wherein, when a user has subscribed to a service plan related to the air conditioning unit a first plan, a computer of the air conditioning system generates both a first period in which the set temperature of the air conditioning unit is automatically controlled and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, and, when the user has subscribed to a second plan different from the first plan, generates the first period which is longer than the first plan.

[0007] In addition, the program disclosed herein causes a computer of an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit to function as an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning unit, and when a user has subscribed to a first plan for a service related to the air conditioning unit, the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, and when a user has subscribed to a second plan that is different from the first plan, the automatic control unit generates the first period that is longer than the first plan. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The air conditioning system, air conditioning system control method, and program disclosed herein can automatically control the set temperature of the air conditioner for a shorter period than the second plan when the plan to which the user has subscribed is the first plan, and can automatically control the set temperature of the air conditioner for a longer period than the first plan when the plan to which the user has subscribed is the second plan that is different from the first plan. Thus, the set temperature of the air conditioner can be automatically controlled according to the plan. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a management server according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows an example of first management data in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows an example of second management data in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining updating of the number of achievements in the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining updating of the number of changes in the first embodiment; [Figure 7] A flowchart showing the operation of the management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing the operation of the management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the operation of the management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing the operation of the management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] A flowchart showing the operation of a management server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] A flowchart showing the operation of a management server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] A flowchart showing the operation of a management server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] A flowchart showing the operation of a management server according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, there was a technology for automatically controlling the set temperature of an air conditioner, just as there was a technology for changing the set temperature of an air conditioner in response to changes in the outside air temperature. Meanwhile, in recent years, services related to air conditioners have been considered. However, when automatic control of the set temperature is incorporated into this service, a mechanism for automatically controlling the set temperature according to the plan may be required. However, the inventors discovered a problem that no such mechanism existed in the past, and came to constitute the subject of the present disclosure in order to solve this problem. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, a control method for an air conditioning system, and a program that can automatically control the set temperature of an air conditioner according to a plan.

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or duplicate explanations of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Air conditioning system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1000. The air conditioning system 1000 is a system that conditions a conditioned space S using an air conditioner 1. Air conditioning of the conditioned space S can include cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation, etc., but in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the air conditioner 1 cools and heats the conditioned space S. The conditioned space S is a space owned by a facility H, and is a space that is conditioned by the air conditioner 1. Examples of the facility H include homes, offices, stores, medical facilities, and public facilities.

[0013] The air conditioning system 1000 includes an air conditioner 1. In FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 includes four or more air conditioners 1. The number of air conditioners 1 included in the air conditioning system 1000 is not limited to four or more, and may be less than four. The air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit 12, and performs air conditioning operation using the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 to air condition the conditioned space S in which the indoor unit 11 is installed. The air conditioner 1 is connected to a network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The network NW is a communication network configured from a public line network, a dedicated line, the Internet, other communication networks, and the like.

[0014] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by a user P. In this embodiment, the user P is a user of a service related to the air conditioning device 1 described below. An example of the user P is an administrator who manages the facility H. Note that the user P is not limited to a person, and may be an entity that has management authority over the facility H (for example, a company that operates the facility H). The terminal device 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a laptop computer, but may also be a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or a smartphone. The terminal device 2 is connected to a network NW. The terminal device 2 displays information related to the air conditioning device 1 for each facility H.

[0015] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a management server 3. The management server 3 is a server device that manages the air conditioning devices 1. The management server 3 is connected to a network NW, and performs information processing with the air conditioning devices 1 and terminal devices 2 as clients. The management server 3 may be a server device owned by a user P, or may be a server device not owned by a user P.

[0016] The management server 3 provides services related to the air conditioning device 1. In the following explanation, the services related to the air conditioning device 1 are abbreviated as "services" where appropriate. In this embodiment, a first plan and a second plan that is more expensive than the first plan are prepared for the services.

[0017] The first plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of α yen. For example, the first plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of 500 yen per system. The services that can be received with the first plan include setting the functions of the air conditioner 1 for the purpose of energy consumption, checking the history of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, and a trial of automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. In the following description, the automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 will be abbreviated to "automatic control" where appropriate.

[0018] The trial of automatic control is performed when the user P requests a trial of automatic control. In this embodiment, the trial period of automatic control is a maximum of one year after the user P requests a trial of automatic control. This trial period is merely an example, and may be less than a maximum of one year, or may be a maximum of one year or more, or may be changeable. In the trial of automatic control, a first period in which automatic control is performed and a second period in which automatic control is not performed alternately occur during the trial period. How to switch between the first period and the second period can be determined appropriately, but in the following description, the first period and the second period are switched every week as an example. In the second period, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 is set by the remote control 13. One week is an example of a "predetermined period."

[0019] The second plan is a plan with a monthly fee of β (β>α) yen. For example, the second plan is a plan with a fee of 1,000 yen per month and per system. The services that can be received with the second plan include setting the functions of the air conditioner 1 for the purpose of energy consumption, checking the history of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, and automatically controlling the set temperature of the air conditioner 1.

[0020] In the second plan, automatic control is performed. That is, in the second plan, only the first period occurs and the second period does not occur. In other words, as long as the user P continues to subscribe to the second plan, the air conditioning device 1 continues to automatically control the set temperature. Therefore, assuming that a contract is concluded for a period longer than one week, the second plan will have a longer first period than the first plan.

[0021] By providing two types of plans in this way, if user P finds automatic control appealing, he or she can select the second plan, and if he or she is reluctant to select automatic control, he or she can try out automatic control by selecting the first plan.

[0022] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a weather server 4. The weather server 4 is a server device that provides a service of providing weather data. The weather data provided by the server includes at least a forecast value of the outside air temperature of the facility H.

[0023] In each drawing, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are each represented by one block, but this does not necessarily mean that the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are configured by a single device. For example, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 may be configured to include multiple server devices with different processing contents, or may be configured by the same server device.

[0024] [1-1-2. Air conditioner configuration] The configuration of the air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The air conditioner 1 comprises an indoor unit 11, an outdoor unit 12, a remote control 13, and a communication device 14. Note that the air conditioner 1 may be equipped with a plurality of indoor units 11 and outdoor units 12.

[0025] The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by refrigerant piping and control wiring. As a result, in the air conditioner 1, the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 form a refrigerant cycle.

[0026] The remote control 13 is installed on a wall surface or the like of the air-conditioned space S. The remote control 13 has a plurality of operation buttons that allow a user of the air conditioner 1 to start or stop operation, operate menus, operate cursor keys, etc. The remote control 13 also has a display panel that displays, for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, the operating state of the indoor unit 11, etc.

[0027] The communication device 14 is a device that connects to the network NW and communicates with the management server 3. The communication device 14 is also a device that controls each part of the air conditioning device 1. The communication device 14 transmits operation data RD to the management server 3 every time the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 is changed.

[0028] The operation data RD is data indicating that an operation to change the set temperature has been accepted. The operation data RD records the air conditioner ID (Identification), the change date and time, the air conditioning type, the set temperature before the change, and the set temperature after the change. The air conditioner ID is identification information for the air conditioner 1. The change date and time is the date and time when the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 was changed. The air conditioning type is the type of air conditioning performed by the air conditioner 1, and indicates cooling or heating in this embodiment. The set temperature before change is the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 before the change. The set temperature after change is the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 after the change.

[0029] The communications device 14 receives setting data SD from the management server 3. The setting data SD is data that instructs the setting of the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1, and records the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1. The communications device 14 operates the air conditioning device 1 at the set temperature recorded in the received setting data SD.

[0030] [1-1-3. Management Server Configuration] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management server 3. As shown in FIG. The management server 3 includes a server control device 30 and a server communication device 31 . The server control device 30 is an example of a "computer."

[0031] The server control device 30 includes a server processor 300 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a server memory 310, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0032] The server memory 310 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 310 stores a control program 311, a first management DB (database) 312, a second management DB 313, and data to be processed by the server processor 300. The server memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. The server memory 310 may also have a volatile storage area and configure a work area for the server processor 300. The server memory 310 is configured, for example, by a Read Only Memory (ROM) or a Random Access Memory (RAM). The control program 311 is an example of a "program."

[0033] The first management DB 312 is a database that manages data related to the air conditioning apparatus 1. The management DB 312 has one record R1 for each air conditioning apparatus 1. In one record R1, the air conditioner ID, communication information, the location of the facility H, the air conditioning type, the current set temperature, the first management data MD1, and the second management data MD2 are recorded. The communication information is information for communicating with the air conditioning apparatus 1, and is, for example, address information of the communication device 14. The location of the facility H is the location of the facility H where the air conditioning device 1 is installed, and is, for example, the address of the facility H. The current set temperature is the set temperature that is set in the air conditioner 1. The first management data MD1 is data for managing information related to changes in the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 during cooling. The second management data MD2 is data for managing information relating to changes in the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 during heating. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first management data MD1 and the second management data MD2, the symbol "MD" will be added and they will be expressed as "management data MD".

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the first management data MD1. The first management data MD1 records time periods in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:59. More specifically, the first management data MD1 records time periods from N:00 to N:59 for each of the 0:00 to 23:00 hours, where N is an integer from 0 to 23.

[0035] Moreover, the first management data MD1 has a plurality of outside air temperatures recorded in increments of 1° C. The range of outside air temperatures recorded in the first management data MD1 includes at least the range of temperatures that the outside air of the facility H can be. Note that the range of outside air temperatures recorded in the first management data MD1 may be the same regardless of the location of the facility H, or may be a different range depending on the location of the facility H.

[0036] The first management data MD1 records one piece of collected data AD for one combination of time period and one outside air temperature. The collected data AD is data having information related to the history of changes to the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. The collected data AD is data that collects various data within a predetermined range of set temperatures. From the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined by processing in a flowchart described below.

[0037] The collected data AD records a plurality of set temperatures of the air conditioner 1 in increments of 1°C within a predetermined range. In the example of Fig. 3, the collected data AD records 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. That is, in the example of Fig. 3, the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD is a range from 23°C to 27°C.

[0038] The collected data AD records the number of actual results, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each recorded set temperature. In the example of Fig. 3, the collected data AD records the number of actual results, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each of 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. The number of achievements indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature has been set in the air conditioner 1. The number of changes indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature has been changed to another set temperature. The change probability indicates the probability that the corresponding set temperature is changed to another set temperature, and is calculated by dividing the corresponding number of changes by the corresponding number of achievements.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the second management data MD2. The second management data MD2 is different from the first management data MD1 in the predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the recorded collected data AD. The predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the collected data AD recorded in the first management data MD1 is 23°C to 27°C. In contrast, the predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the collected data AD recorded in the second management data MD2 is 18°C ​​to 23°C.

[0040] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 2, the second management DB313 is a database that manages data related to the service plans to which the user P has subscribed. The second management DB313 has one record R2 for each facility H. In each record R2, the facility ID, one or more air conditioner IDs, the contract plan, the trial execution status, the trial start date, the switching date, and the automatic control execution status are recorded. The facility ID is identification information of the facility H. The contract plan is a plan to which the user P has contracted, and in this embodiment, indicates the first plan or the second plan. The trial execution status is data that is recorded when the corresponding contract plan indicates the first plan, and indicates whether or not a trial of automatic control is being executed. The trial start date is data that is recorded when the corresponding trial execution status indicates that a trial is being executed, and indicates the start date of a trial of automatic control. The switching date is data that is stored when the corresponding trial execution status indicates trial execution, and indicates the date of switching from the first period to the second period, or the date of switching from the second period to the first period. The automatic control execution status is data that is recorded when the corresponding trial execution status indicates that a trial is being executed, and indicates whether or not automatic control is being executed.

[0041] The server communication device 31 comprises hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the air conditioning devices 1, the terminal devices 2, and the weather server 4 under the control of the server control device 30.

[0042] The server processor 300 reads and executes a control program 311 stored in the server memory 310 , thereby functioning as a communication control unit 301 , an acquisition unit 302 , an update unit 303 , an automatic control unit 304 , and a management unit 305 .

[0043] The communication control unit 301 communicates with the air conditioning apparatus 1, the terminal apparatus 2, and the weather server 4 via the server communication device 31.

[0044] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature. The acquisition unit 302 processes one record R1 and acquires the outside air temperature based on the record R1. More specifically, the acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R1 to be processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. The forecast value request information is information requesting a forecast value of the outside air temperature for a time period including the current time, and the location of the facility H recorded in the record R1 to be processed and the time period to be requested are recorded. For example, when the current time is H:M, the time period from H:0 to H+1:0 is recorded in the forecast value request information. Here, H is an integer from 0 to 24, and M is an integer from 0 to 59. When the communication control unit 301 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. Then, the communication control unit 301 receives from the weather server 4 a plurality of forecast values ​​corresponding to the location of the facility H and the time period recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301, and acquires the calculated average value as the outside air temperature. Note that, when calculating the average forecast value, the acquisition unit 302 of this embodiment truncates the value to the nearest integer or rounds the value to the nearest integer.

[0045] The update unit 303 updates the first management DB 312 . The update unit 303 updates the number of achievements recorded in the collected data AD at L minutes past every hour. The update unit 303 updates the number of achievements for each record R1. Here, L is an integer from 0 to 59, for example, 0. To explain the update of the number of achievements in detail, at L minutes past every hour, the update unit 303 first causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R1 to be processed. Next, the update unit 303 refers to the management data MD of the record R1 to be processed, and identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the set of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature that the acquisition unit 302 has acquired. Next, the update unit 303 increments the number of achievements corresponding to the current set temperature recorded in the record R1 to be processed among the numbers of achievements recorded in the identified collected data AD. The update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of achievements to a change probability reflecting the incremented number of achievements.

[0046] Now, updating of the number of achievements will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the update of the number of achievements.

[0047] The explanation of Fig. 5 will be given by way of example of a case where the current time when updating the performance count is between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. The explanation of Fig. 5 will also be given by way of example of a case where the air conditioning device is performing cooling operation. In the case of Fig. 5, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time period between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outside air temperature of 34°C, from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R1 to be processed.

[0048] In the explanation of Fig. 5, a case where the current set temperature recorded in the record R1 to be processed is 25°C is exemplified. That is, in the explanation of Fig. 5, a case where the set temperature set in the air conditioning device 1 is 25°C is exemplified. In the case of Fig. 5, the update unit 303 increments the number of achievements corresponding to 25°C from "4" to "5" among the number of achievements recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, in the case of Fig. 5, in conjunction with the update of the number of achievements, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "3 / 5".

[0049] Further, the update performed by update unit 303 will be described. When the communications control unit 301 receives operation data RD, the update unit 303 updates the first management DB 312 based on the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 identifies a record R1 having the air conditioner ID of the received operation data RD from the first management DB 312. Next, the update unit 303 updates the current set temperature of the identified record R1 to the changed set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 also updates the air conditioning type of the identified record R1 to the air conditioning type recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0050] Furthermore, the update unit 303 causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outdoor air temperature based on the record R1 identified by the received operation data RD. Next, if the air conditioning type of cooling is recorded in the received operation data RD, the update unit 303 identifies, from the first management data MD1 of the identified record R1, the collected data AD corresponding to the pair of the time period including the current time and the outdoor air temperature that the acquisition unit 302 has acquired. Furthermore, if the air conditioning type of heating is recorded in the received operation data RD, the update unit 303 identifies, from the second management data MD2 of the identified record R1, the collected data AD corresponding to the pair of the time period including the current time and the outdoor air temperature that the acquisition unit 302 has acquired. Next, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD, and if the air conditioning type indicates cooling and the changed set temperature is lower than the set temperature before the change, increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the set temperature before the change recorded in the received operation data RD. In addition, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD, and if the air conditioning type indicates heating and the changed set temperature is higher than the set temperature before the change, increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the set temperature before the change recorded in the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of changes to a change probability that reflects the incremented number of changes.

[0051] Now, with reference to FIG. 6, updating of the number of changes will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the update of the number of changes.

[0052] The explanation of Fig. 6 will be given by way of example of a case where the current time when updating the number of changes is between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. The explanation of Fig. 6 will also be given by way of example of a case where the air conditioning device 1 is performing cooling operation. In the case of Fig. 6, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the pair of the time period between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outside air temperature of 34°C, from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R1 to be processed.

[0053] In the explanation of FIG. 6, a case where the type of air conditioning recorded in the received operation data RD indicates cooling is illustrated. Also, in the explanation of FIG. 6, a case where the pre-change set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 25°C is illustrated. Also, in the explanation of FIG. 6, a case where the post-change set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 24°C is illustrated. In this example, the update unit 303 increments the number of changes corresponding to 25°C from "3" to "4" among the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, in the case of FIG. 6, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "4 / 4" in accordance with the update of the number of changes.

[0054] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2, the automatic control unit 304 automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. In the automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1, and sets the determined set temperature in the air conditioner 1. The automatic control unit 304 sets the set temperature in the air conditioner 1 based on the record R1 to be processed. In detail, the automatic control unit 304 generates setting data SD, and outputs the generated setting data SD and communication information recorded in the record R1 to be processed to the communication control unit 301. The determined set temperature is recorded in the generated setting data SD. The communication control unit 301 transmits the setting data SD received from the automatic control unit 304 to the air conditioner 1 based on the communication information received from the automatic control unit 304.

[0055] The management unit 305 manages the service plans related to the air conditioning apparatus 1 to which the user P has a contract. The management unit 305 records and updates data in the second management DB 313 as part of this management.

[0056] When the plan subscribed to by user P is switched from the first plan to the second plan, the management unit 305 switches the contract plan recorded in the record R2 corresponding to this user P from the first plan to the second plan. In addition, when the plan subscribed to by user P is switched from the second plan to the first plan, the management unit 305 switches the contract plan recorded in the record R2 corresponding to this user P from the second plan to the first plan. Specifically, the terminal device 2 can display a screen for switching contract plans, and accepts a contract plan switching operation from the user P on that screen. When the terminal device 2 accepts a contract plan switching operation from the user P, it transmits switching request information requesting a contract plan switch to the management server 3. This switching request information records the facility ID of the facility H managed by the user P and the plan to which the plan is to be switched. When the communication control unit 301 receives the switching request information, the management unit 305 identifies a record R2 having the facility ID of the received switching request information from the second management DB 313, and changes the contract plan of the identified record R2 to the plan recorded in the received switching request information.

[0057] When the plan subscribed to by user P is the first plan and user P has requested the execution of a trial of automatic control, management unit 305 updates the trial execution status recorded in record R2 corresponding to this user P to a trial execution status indicating that the trial is being executed. In addition, when management unit 305 updates the trial execution status recorded in record R2 to a trial execution status indicating that the trial is being executed, it updates the trial start date recorded in this record R2 to the date on which the trial execution status was updated. Specifically, the terminal device 2 can display a screen for inputting an instruction to execute a trial of automatic control, and receives the instruction to execute a trial of automatic control from the user P on the screen. When the terminal device 2 receives the instruction to execute a trial of automatic control from the user P, it transmits execution request information requesting execution of a trial of automatic control to the management server 3. This execution request information records the facility ID of the facility H managed by the user P. When the communication control unit 301 receives the execution request information, the management unit 305 identifies a record R2 having the facility ID of the received execution request information from the second management DB 313, updates the trial execution status of the identified record R2 to "trial in progress," and also updates the trial start date of the identified record R2.

[0058] If the plan subscribed to by user P is the first plan and user P has requested a trial of automatic control, the management unit 305 updates the switching date and automatic control execution status recorded in record R2 corresponding to this user P every week. Specifically, management unit 305 processes record R2, the contract plan of which indicates the first plan, and performs the following processing. That is, if the current date and time is one week after the switching date recorded in record R2, the management unit 305 updates the automatic control execution status recorded in record R2, the processing target. If the automatic control execution status before the update indicates "in progress," management unit 305 updates the automatic control execution status to indicate "not in progress." On the other hand, if the automatic control status before the update indicates "not in progress," management unit 305 updates the automatic control execution status to indicate "in progress."

[0059] If the plan subscribed to by user P is the first plan and user P requests execution of a trial of automatic control, the management unit 305 ends the trial of automatic control one year after the start of the trial of automatic control. Specifically, the management unit 305 processes the record R2 whose contract plan indicates the first plan as the processing target, and performs the following processing. That is, when the current date and time indicates a date and time one year after the trial start date recorded in the processing target record R2, the management unit 305 updates the trial execution status recorded in the processing target record R2 to "trial executed." In addition, the management unit 305 updates the automatic control execution status recorded in the processing target record R2 to indicate that the automatic control is not being executed.

[0060] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3.

[0061] 7 is a flowchart that starts at K minutes past every hour, where K is an integer between 0 and 59, for example 0. 7 is a flowchart performed for each facility H. That is, the flowchart in FIG.

[0062] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan or the second plan (step SA1).

[0063] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan (step SA1: first plan), it determines whether or not the user P has requested the execution of automatic control (step SA2).

[0064] In step SA2, the automatic control unit 304 makes a positive determination if the trial execution status recorded in the record R2 to be processed indicates that the trial is being executed. Also, in step SA2, the automatic control unit 304 makes a negative determination if the trial execution status recorded in the record R2 to be processed indicates that the trial is not being executed.

[0065] When the automatic control unit 304 determines that the user P corresponding to the record R2 to be processed has not requested a trial (step SA2: NO), the automatic control unit 304 does not perform automatic control (step SA3). Note that not performing automatic control means not generating the setting data SD.

[0066] When it is determined that the user P has requested the execution of automatic control (step SA2: YES), the automatic control unit 304 determines whether the current time period is within the first period or the second period (step SA4).

[0067] In step SA4, if the automatic control execution status recorded in the record R2 to be processed indicates that the automatic control is being executed, the automatic control unit 304 determines that the current time is within the first period, and if the automatic control execution status recorded in the record R2 to be processed indicates that the automatic control is not being executed, the automatic control unit 304 determines that the current time is within the second period.

[0068] When the automatic control unit 304 determines that the current time is within the second period (step SA4: within the second period), it does not execute automatic control (step SA3).

[0069] On the other hand, when the automatic control unit 304 determines that the current time is within the first period (step SA4: within the first period), it executes automatic control (step SA5).

[0070] Returning to the explanation of step SA1, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the second plan (step SA1: second plan), it executes automatic control (step SA5).

[0071] Step SA5 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. The processing of step SA5 is performed for each air conditioner 1 installed in the facility H. That is, the processing of step SA5 is executed for each record R1 that has the air conditioner ID of record R2 that was the processing target in FIG.

[0072] The process of step SA5 will be described below separately for when the type of air conditioning in record R1 to be processed is cooling and when it is heating.

[0073] [1-2-1. Automatic control when cooling] First, the operation when the air conditioning type of the record R1 to be processed is cooling will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in the automatic control.

[0074] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature based on the record R1 to be processed (step SB1). Step SB1 will be described in detail. The acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R to be processed, and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. For example, when the current time is 10:00, the time period from 10:00 to 11:00 is recorded in the forecast value request information. When the communication control unit 301 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. Then, the communication control unit 301 receives from the weather server 4 a plurality of forecast values ​​(for example, a forecast value for 10:00 and a forecast value for 11:00) corresponding to the location and time period of the facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301, and acquires the calculated average as the outside air temperature.

[0075] Next, the automatic control unit 304 identifies the collected data AD to be processed from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R1 to be processed (step SB2).

[0076] Step SB2 will now be described in detail. The automatic control unit 304 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the set of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired in step SB1 from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R1 to be processed.

[0077] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether or not the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD identified in step SB2 satisfies the following first condition (step SB3). First condition: A first set temperature and a second set temperature exist.

[0078] The first set temperature is a set temperature whose corresponding change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, for example 0.1 (10% as a percentage). The second set temperature is a set temperature that is the second lowest in the predetermined range after the first set temperature and has a corresponding change probability less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0079] Here, the first set temperature and the second set temperature will be explained with reference to FIG. In the collected data AD shown in Figure 3, a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 23°C, a change probability of "0 / 1" is recorded for a set temperature of 24°C, a change probability of "3 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 25°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 26°C, and a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 27°C.

[0080] When the predetermined threshold value is 0.1, 25° C., 26° C., and 27° C. correspond to the first set temperature, and 24° C. corresponds to the second set temperature in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3. Note that the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3 satisfies the above first condition.

[0081] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, if the automatic control section 304 determines that the first condition is satisfied (step SB3: YES), it executes a first determination process (step SB4). The first determination process is a process for determining an appropriate set temperature. In the first determination process, the collected data AD identified in step SB2 is processed.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in the first determination process.

[0083] The automatic control section 304 determines whether or not there are multiple second set temperatures among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB41).

[0084] If the automatic control section 304 determines that there are not multiple second set temperatures (step SB41: NO), it determines the second set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 (step SB42).

[0085] Here, step SB42 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, 24°C is the second set temperature in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3, and other set temperatures do not correspond to the second set temperature. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the collected data AD to be processed is the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3, the automatic control unit 304 determines in step 33 that 24°C is the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0086] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that there are multiple second set temperatures (step SB41: YES), it determines the second set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 (step SB43).

[0087] The set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD refers to the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is cooling.

[0088] Now, step SB43 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the collected data AD. In the collected data AD shown in FIG. 10, a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 23° C., a change probability of "1 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 24° C., a change probability of "0 / 2" is recorded for a set temperature of 25° C., a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 26° C., and a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 27° C.

[0089] When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, 24° C., 26° C., and 27° C. correspond to the first set temperatures, and 23° C. and 25° C. correspond to the second set temperatures in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 10. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the collected data AD to be processed is the collected data AD shown in Fig. 10, the automatic control unit 304 determines the second set temperature of 23° C. as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioner 1 is cooling.

[0090] Returning to the explanation of step SB3 in FIG. 8, if the automatic control section 304 determines that the first condition is not satisfied (step SB3: NO), it performs a process for determining whether the first condition is satisfied (step SB5).

[0091] The process for satisfying the first condition is a process for making the set temperature recorded in the collected data AD satisfy the above-mentioned first condition. In the process for satisfying the first condition, the collected data AD specified in step SB2 is processed.

[0092] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in the first condition satisfaction process.

[0093] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether or not all of the performance numbers recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are zero (step SB51).

[0094] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that all of the performance numbers are zero (step SB51: YES), it determines the median of the multiple set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SB52). Note that in this embodiment, when calculating the median set temperature, digits after the decimal point are discarded or rounded off to the nearest integer.

[0095] The set temperature determined in step SB52 is not limited to the median value. For example, the set temperature determined in step SB52 may be the lowest set temperature, the highest set temperature, the next highest set temperature after the median, or the next lowest set temperature after the median among the multiple set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed.

[0096] Returning to the explanation of step SB51, if automatic control unit 304 determines that all of the performance numbers are not zero (step SB51: NO), it determines whether the change probability of the third set temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "energy saving side third set temperature") that consumes the least energy among the set temperatures (hereinafter referred to as the "third set temperature") with a performance number of 1 or more is less than a predetermined threshold (step SB53). This predetermined threshold is, for example, 0.1 (10% as a percentage). In addition, the set temperature within a specified range of set temperatures that results in the air conditioning device 1 consuming the least amount of energy refers to the highest set temperature within the specified range of set temperatures when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is cooling.

[0097] Here, the energy saving third set temperature will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the collected data AD.

[0098] In the collected data AD shown in FIG. 12, for each set temperature from 23° C. to 24° C., the number of achievements of "4", the number of changes of "0", and the change probability of "0 / 4" are recorded. In addition, in the collected data AD shown in FIG. 12, for each set temperature between 25°C and 27°C, the number of actual occurrences of "0" and the number of changes of "0" are recorded, but since the number of actual occurrences is zero, the probability of change is not recorded.

[0099] When the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R1 to be processed is cooling, 24° C. corresponds to the third energy saving set temperature in the collected data AD shown in FIG.

[0100] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in Figure 11, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy saving side third set temperature is less than the predetermined threshold (step SB53: YES), it determines whether the added temperature obtained by adding 1°C to the energy saving side third set temperature exceeds the highest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB54).

[0101] Here, the process of step SB54 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. As described above, in Fig. 12, when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling, 24°C is the energy saving side third set temperature. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 12, the added temperature when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling is 25°C. Also, of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD of Fig. 12, 27°C is the highest set temperature. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 12, the automatic control unit 304 makes a negative judgment in step SB54.

[0102] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the added temperature does not exceed the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB54: NO), it determines the added temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SB55).

[0103] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the added temperature exceeds the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB54: YES), it determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SB56). In addition, if there are multiple set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature among the set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1 as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0104] Now, step SB56 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the collected data AD.

[0105] In the collected data AD shown in FIG. 13, for each set temperature between 23°C and 26°C, the number of actual occurrences of "0" and the number of changes of "0" are recorded, but since the number of actual occurrences is zero, the probability of change is not recorded. In addition, in the collected data AD shown in FIG. 13, for a set temperature of 27° C., the number of achievements of “3”, the number of changes of “4”, and the change probability of “3 / 4” are recorded.

[0106] In Fig. 13, 27°C is the third energy saving set temperature. Therefore, the added temperature becomes 28°C, which exceeds the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 13, when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling, the automatic control unit 304 determines 26°C as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0107] Returning to the explanation of step SB53 in Figure 11, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy saving side third set temperature is not less than the specified threshold (step SB53: NO), it determines whether or not there is a fourth set temperature with zero actual results between the lowest set temperature and the energy saving side third set temperature within the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD to be processed (step SB57).

[0108] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that a fourth set temperature exists between the lowest set temperature and the third set temperature on the energy saving side (step SB57: YES), it determines the fourth set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SB58). Furthermore, in the case where there are multiple fourth set temperatures, the automatic control unit 304 determines, as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1, the fourth set temperature which results in the least energy saving of the air conditioner 1.

[0109] Now, step SB58 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the collected data AD.

[0110] In the collected data AD shown in FIG. 14, for each of the set temperatures of 23°C, 24°C, and 27°C, a number of actual occurrences of "0" and a number of changes of "0" are recorded, but since the number of actual occurrences is zero, the probability of change is not recorded. In addition, in the collected data AD shown in FIG. 14, for a set temperature of 25° C., the number of achievements of “3”, the number of changes of “2”, and the change probability of “2 / 3” are recorded. In addition, in the collected data AD shown in FIG. 14, for a set temperature of 26° C., the number of achievements of “4”, the number of changes to “4”, and a change probability of “4 / 4” are recorded.

[0111] When the predetermined threshold value is 0.1 and the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R1 to be processed is cooling, 26° C. corresponds to the third energy saving set temperature in the collected data AD shown in FIG.

[0112] In the collected data AD of Fig. 14, 23°C is the lowest set temperature. That is, in the collected data AD of Fig. 15, between 23°C and the energy saving side third set temperature, there are a fourth set temperature of 23°C and a fourth set temperature of 24°C. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 15, in step SB58, the automatic control unit 304 determines 24°C as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0113] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in Figure 11, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that there is no fourth set temperature between the lowest set temperature and the third set temperature on the energy saving side (step SB57: NO), it determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the lowest set temperature and the third set temperature on the energy saving side within the specified range indicated by the collected data AD as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SB59). In addition, if there are multiple set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature among the set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1 as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0114] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 8, the automatic control section 304 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 to the set temperature determined in step SB4 or step SB5 (step SB6).

[0115] [1-2-2. Automatic control when heating] First, the operation when the air conditioning type of the record R1 to be processed is heating will be described. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in automatic control. In the explanation of Fig. 15, the same steps as those in Fig. 8 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0116] The automatic control unit 304 identifies the collected data AD to be processed from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R1 to be processed (step SC1).

[0117] Step SC1 will now be described in detail. The automatic control unit 304 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the set of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired in step SB1 from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R1 to be processed.

[0118] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether or not the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD identified in step SC1 satisfies the following second condition (step SC2). Second condition: A fifth set temperature and a sixth set temperature exist.

[0119] The fifth set temperature is a set temperature whose corresponding change probability is less than a predetermined threshold, for example 0.1 (10% in percentage). The sixth set temperature is the next lowest set temperature after the fifth set temperature within the predetermined range, and the corresponding change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0120] Here, the fifth and sixth set temperatures will be described with reference to FIG. In the collected data AD shown in Figure 4, a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 18°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 19°C, a change probability of "1 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 20°C, a change probability of "0 / 2" is recorded for a set temperature of 21°C, a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 22°C, and a change probability of "0 / 2" is recorded for a set temperature of 23°C.

[0121] When the predetermined threshold value is 0.1, 21° C., 22° C., and 23° C. correspond to the fifth set temperature, and 20° C. corresponds to the sixth set temperature in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 4. Note that the collected data AD shown in Fig. 4 satisfies the second condition above.

[0122] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, if the automatic control section 304 determines that the second condition is satisfied (step SC2: YES), it executes a second determination process (step SC3). The second determination process is a process for determining an appropriate set temperature. In the second determination process, the collected data AD identified in step SC1 is processed.

[0123] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in the second determination process.

[0124] The automatic control section 304 determines whether or not there are multiple fifth set temperatures among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC31).

[0125] If the automatic control section 304 determines that there are not multiple fifth set temperatures (step SC31: NO), it determines the fifth set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 (step SC32).

[0126] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that there are multiple fifth set temperatures (step SC31: YES), it determines the fifth set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 (step SC33).

[0127] The set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD refers to the highest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is heating.

[0128] Returning to the explanation of step SC2 in FIG. 15, if the automatic control section 304 determines that the second condition is not satisfied (step SC2: NO), it performs a process for determining whether the second condition is satisfied (step SC4).

[0129] The process for satisfying the second condition is a process for making the set temperature recorded in the collected data AD satisfy the above-mentioned second condition. In the process for satisfying the second condition, the collected data AD specified in step SC1 is processed.

[0130] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in the second condition satisfaction process. In the explanation of Fig. 17, the same steps as in Fig. 11 are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation of the process is omitted as appropriate.

[0131] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy saving side third set temperature is less than a predetermined threshold (step SB53: YES), it determines whether the subtracted temperature obtained by subtracting 1°C from the energy saving side third set temperature is lower than the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC41).

[0132] Here, the energy saving third set temperature during heating will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the collected data AD.

[0133] In the collected data AD shown in FIG. 18, for each set temperature between 19° C. and 20° C., the number of achievements of "2", the number of changes of "1", and the change probability of "1 / 2" are recorded. In addition, in the collected data AD shown in FIG. 18, for each of the set temperatures of 18°C ​​and 21°C to 23°C, a number of actual occurrences of "0" and a number of changes of "0" are recorded, but since the number of actual occurrences is zero, the probability of change is not recorded.

[0134] When the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R1 to be processed is heating, 19° C. corresponds to the energy saving side third constant temperature in the collected data AD shown in FIG.

[0135] Here, the process of step SC41 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. As described above, in Fig. 18, 19°C is the third energy saving set temperature. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 18, the subtraction temperature is 18°C. Also, among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD of Fig. 18, 18°C ​​is the lowest set temperature. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 18, the automatic control unit 304 makes a negative determination in step SC41.

[0136] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the subtraction temperature is not below the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC41: NO), it decides that the subtraction temperature is the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SC42). On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the subtraction temperature is below the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC41: NO), it performs the processing of step SB56.

[0137] Returning to the explanation of step SB53 in Figure 17, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy saving side third set temperature is not less than the specified threshold (step SB53: NO), it determines whether or not there is a fourth set temperature with an actual number of zero between the highest set temperature and the energy saving side third set temperature within the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD to be processed (step SC43).

[0138] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that a fourth set temperature exists between the highest set temperature and the third set temperature on the energy saving side (step SC43: YES), it determines the fourth set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SB58). Furthermore, in the case where there are multiple fourth set temperatures, the automatic control unit 304 determines, as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1, the fourth set temperature which results in the least energy saving of the air conditioner 1.

[0139] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that there is no fourth set temperature between the highest set temperature and the third set temperature on the energy saving side (step SC43: NO), it determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the highest set temperature and the third set temperature on the energy saving side within the specified range indicated by the collected data AD as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SC44). In addition, if there are multiple set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature among the set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1 as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0140] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 15, the automatic control section 304 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 to the set temperature determined in step SC3 or step SC4 (step SC5).

[0141] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the air conditioning system 1000 conditions the conditioned space S using the air conditioner 1. The air conditioning system 1000 includes an automatic control unit 304 that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, and a management unit 305 that manages the service plans related to the air conditioner 1 to which a user P has a contract. When the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates both a first period in which automatic control is performed and a second period in which automatic control is not performed. When the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the second plan that is more expensive than the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates a first period that is longer than the first plan.

[0142] According to this, when the plan to which user P has subscribed is the first plan which is less expensive than the second plan, the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 can be automatically controlled for a shorter period than with the second plan, and when the plan to which user P has subscribed is the second plan which is more expensive than the first plan, the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 can be automatically controlled for a longer period than with the first plan. Thus, the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 can be automatically controlled appropriately according to plans which differ in price.

[0143] When the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 causes the first period and the second period to occur alternately every week.

[0144] According to this, since the first period and the second period occur alternately, it is possible to increase the possibility that the user P can realize the effect of the automatic control.

[0145] When the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 determines whether or not user P has requested the execution of automatic control, and if it is determined that user P has requested the execution of automatic control, generates both the first period and the second period.

[0146] According to this, when user P requests the execution of automatic control, both the first period and the second period are generated, thereby preventing a period during which automatic control is performed from occurring even when user P has not requested automatic control.

[0147] When it is determined that execution of automatic control is not requested, the automatic control unit 304 does not generate the first period but generates the second period.

[0148] According to this, if the user P does not request the execution of automatic control, a period during which automatic control is performed is not generated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a period during which automatic control is performed from occurring even though the user P has not requested automatic control.

[0149] When the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the second plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates the first period but does not generate the second period.

[0150] According to this, when the plan to which the user P has subscribed is an expensive plan, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a period during which automatic control is not performed, and no difference in comfort due to the occurrence of the first period and the second period occurs in the air-conditioned space S. Therefore, when the plan to which the user P has subscribed is an expensive plan, the comfort of the air-conditioned space S can be maintained.

[0151] The control method of the air conditioning system 1000 generates both a first period in which the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 is automatically controlled and a second period in which automatic control is not performed when the plan for the service related to the air conditioning device 1 to which a user P has subscribed is a first plan, and generates a first period that is longer in duration than the first plan when the plan to which a user P has subscribed is the second plan that is more expensive than the first plan.

[0152] According to this, the same effects as those of the air conditioning system 1000 described above can be achieved.

[0153] The control program 311 causes the server control device 30 of the air conditioning system 1000, which conditions the conditioned space S with the air conditioning device 1, to function as an automatic control unit 304 that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1. If the plan of the service related to the air conditioning device 1 to which a user P has subscribed is the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates both a first period in which automatic control is performed and a second period in which automatic control is not performed, and if the plan to which a user P has subscribed is the second plan which is more expensive than the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates a first period which is longer than the first plan.

[0154] According to this, the same effects as those of the air conditioning system 1000 described above can be achieved.

[0155] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In comparison with the first embodiment, the second embodiment provides a first plan, a second plan, and a third plan for the service. The third plan is a plan that does not execute automatic control of the set temperature. Also, in the second embodiment, the first plan is a plan that executes a trial of automatic control regardless of a request for a trial of automatic control.

[0156] In this embodiment, the first plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of α yen. For example, the first plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of 500 yen per system. The services that can be received with the first plan include setting the functions of the air conditioner 1 for the purpose of energy consumption, checking the history of the temperature setting of the air conditioner 1, and a trial of automatic control of the temperature setting of the air conditioner 1.

[0157] In this embodiment, the second plan is a plan with a fee of β (β>α) yen per month. For example, the second plan is a plan with a fee of 1,000 yen per month and per system. The services that can be received with the second plan include setting the functions of the air conditioner 1 for the purpose of energy consumption, checking the history of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, and automatically controlling the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. In this embodiment as well, automatic control is performed with the second plan.

[0158] In this embodiment, the third plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of α yen. For example, the third plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of 500 yen per system. The services that can be received with the third plan include setting the functions of the air conditioner 1 for the purpose of energy consumption and checking the history of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, but do not include a trial of automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1.

[0159] By providing three types of plans in this way, if user P finds automatic control attractive, he or she can select plan 2, if he or she is reluctant to select automatic control, he or she can try automatic control by selecting plan 1, and if he or she does not find automatic control attractive or has no interest in automatic control, he or she can select plan 3. Even if user P has selected plan 3, if user P finds automatic control attractive or appealing, he or she can select plan 1 to try automatic control. Note that if user P has selected plan 1 and the trial period has elapsed, user P will select plan 2 or plan 3.

[0160] [2-1. Configuration] The configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0161] [2-2. Operation] Next, there will be described the operation of each unit of the air conditioning system 1000 in the embodiment 2. The embodiment 2 is different from the embodiment 1 in the operation related to the determination of whether or not to execute automatic control.

[0162] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3. 19 is a flowchart performed for each facility H, similar to the flowchart in FIG 7. That is, the flowchart in FIG 19 is an operation performed for each record R2 stored in the second management DB 313.

[0163] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the second plan (step SD1).

[0164] When the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the second plan (step SD1: YES), it executes the process of step SA5.

[0165] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is not the second plan (step SD1: NO), it determines whether the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan (step SD2).

[0166] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan (step SD2: YES), it executes the processes from step SA4 onwards.

[0167] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan (step SD2: NO), it executes the process of step SA3.

[0168] [2-3. Effects, etc.] According to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0169] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first and second embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments to form new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0170] In other embodiments, the algorithm for automatic control of the set temperature is not limited to the algorithm of the first embodiment described above.

[0171] In the embodiment described above, the outdoor air temperature is included as a parameter for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1. In other embodiments, the parameters may be configured to include outdoor air humidity, the amount of solar radiation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, the amount of precipitation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, etc., instead of or in addition to the outdoor air temperature.

[0172] In another embodiment, the management server 3 may further store the update date and time when updating the number of achievements or the number of changes. In this other embodiment, the configuration may be such that the more recent the update date and time, the higher the priority is when calculating the change probability.

[0173] In the above-described embodiment, the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD is a range of 23°C to 27°C, but this specified range is merely an example and may be the range of set temperatures that can be set by the air conditioning apparatus 1, or may be a range that the user is expected to set within the range of set temperatures that can be set by the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0174] In the embodiment described above, the plurality of set temperatures included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD are set at intervals of 1° C. In other embodiments, the intervals of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range are not limited to 1° C. and may be, for example, 0.5° C.

[0175] In the embodiment described above, the first plan is a plan in which a trial of automatic control is performed if a trial of automatic control is requested. In other embodiments, the first plan may be a plan in which a trial of automatic control is performed regardless of a request for a trial of automatic control.

[0176] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the second plan is a plan in which the second period does not occur. In another embodiment, the second plan may be a plan in which the second period occurs. In this other embodiment, it is preferable that the second period occurring in the second plan is shorter than the second period occurring in the first plan.

[0177] In the embodiment described above, both the first plan and the second plan are paid plans, but in other embodiments, the first plan may be a free plan and the second plan may be a paid plan.

[0178] In the above-described embodiment, in the first plan, the first period and the second period alternate every week, but this cycle is merely an example and may be longer or shorter than one week.

[0179] In the embodiment described above, the first management data MD1 stores the number of changes for each pair of time period and outside temperature. In another embodiment, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for each time period, instead of for each pair of time period and outside temperature. In this other embodiment, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the time period.

[0180] In the embodiment described above, the first management data MD1 stores the number of changes for each pair of time period and outside air temperature. In another embodiment, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for the outside air temperature, instead of for each pair of time period and outside air temperature. In this other embodiment, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the outside air temperature.

[0181] In the above-described embodiment, the set temperature is determined based on the time period including the current time and the number of changes that match the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the set temperature is determined based on the number of changes that match the current conditions. In other embodiments, the set temperature may be determined taking into consideration the number of changes that are close to the current conditions (for example, the number of changes of ±1°C relative to the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302).

[0182] In the above-described embodiment, when there are multiple second set temperatures and multiple fifth set temperatures, the set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S is determined as the set temperature to be set, but the set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioning device 1 may also be determined as the set temperature to be set.

[0183] In the above-described embodiment, the temperature compared in step SB54 is the added temperature obtained by adding 1° C. to the energy saving side third set temperature. In other embodiments, the temperature compared in step SB54 is not limited to the added temperature obtained by adding 1° C. to the energy saving side third set temperature, but may be the temperature obtained by adding a predetermined temperature (e.g., 2° C.) to the energy saving side third set temperature, or may be the temperature obtained by multiplying the energy saving side third set temperature by a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 1.1). When multiplying, digits after the decimal point may be rounded up or down.

[0184] In the above-described embodiment, the temperature compared in step SC41 is the subtraction temperature obtained by subtracting 1° C. from the energy saving side third set temperature. In other embodiments, the temperature compared in step SC41 is not limited to the subtraction temperature obtained by subtracting 1° C. from the energy saving side third set temperature, but may be the temperature obtained by subtracting a predetermined temperature (e.g., 2° C.) from the energy saving side third set temperature, or may be the temperature obtained by multiplying the energy saving side third set temperature by a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 0.1). When multiplying, digits after the decimal point may be rounded up or down.

[0185] In the above embodiment, the plans have different prices, but the differences between the plans are not limited to the prices, and may be the service contents.

[0186] In another embodiment, at least any one of the functions of the acquisition unit 302, the update unit 303, and the automatic control unit 304 may be configured to be executed by a control unit that controls each part of the terminal device 2, or a control unit (for example, the communication device 14) that controls each part of the air conditioning device 1, instead of the server control device 30. In this other embodiment, the control unit that controls each part of the terminal device 2 and the control unit that controls each part of the air conditioning device 1 correspond to the "computer". In addition, in this other embodiment, a program for realizing at least any one of the functions of the acquisition unit 302, the update unit 303, and the automatic control unit 304, which is executed by the control unit that controls each part of the terminal device 2 or the control unit that controls each part of the air conditioning device 1, corresponds to the "program". In addition, in this other embodiment, the memory of the terminal device 2 or the air conditioning device 1 may store the management data MD. It should be noted that, when a control device that controls each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1 functions as the automatic control unit 304, the automatic control unit 304 sets a set temperature for the air conditioning apparatus 1 by controlling each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1. That is, in this case, the automatic control unit 304 does not generate setting data SD.

[0187] The server processor 300 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0188] The configuration of the management server 3 shown in Fig. 2 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be software.

[0189] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, and 19 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operations, and the operations are not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units according to the processing contents. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed within a range that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0190] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0191] (Additional Note) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0192] (Technology 1) An air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit, comprising an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning unit, and a management unit that manages service plans related to the air conditioning unit to which a user has contracted, wherein the automatic control unit, when the plan managed by the management unit is a first plan, generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, and when the plan managed by the management unit is a second plan different from the first plan, generates the first period that is longer than the first plan. According to this, when the plan to which the user has subscribed is the first plan, the set temperature of the air conditioner can be automatically controlled for a shorter period than in the second plan, and when the plan to which the user has subscribed is the second plan different from the first plan, the set temperature of the air conditioner can be automatically controlled for a longer period than in the first plan. Thus, the set temperature of the air conditioner can be automatically controlled according to the plan.

[0193] (Technology 2) The air conditioning system described in Technology 1, wherein when the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan, the automatic control unit alternates between the first period and the second period at predetermined intervals. According to this, since the first period and the second period occur alternately, it is possible to increase the possibility that the user can realize the effect of the automatic control.

[0194] (Technology 3) An air conditioning system as described in Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the automatic control unit, when the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan, determines whether the user has requested execution of the automatic control, and when it determines that the user has requested execution of the automatic control, generates both the first period and the second period. According to this, when a user requests the execution of automatic control, both the first period and the second period are generated, thereby preventing a period during which automatic control is performed from occurring even when the user has not requested automatic control.

[0195] (Technology 4) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 3, when the automatic control unit determines that execution of the automatic control is not requested, the first period is not generated while the second period is generated. According to this, if the user has not requested the execution of automatic control, a period during which automatic control is performed is not generated, and therefore it is possible to prevent a period during which automatic control is performed from occurring even though the user has not requested automatic control.

[0196] (Technology 5) The air conditioning system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 4, wherein the second plan is a plan that is more expensive than the first plan. This makes it possible to appropriately automatically control the set temperature of the air conditioner according to plans with different prices.

[0197] (Technology 6) An air conditioning system described in any one of Technology 5, wherein the automatic control unit generates the first period but does not generate the second period when the plan managed by the management unit is the second plan. According to this, when the plan to which the user has subscribed is a high-priced plan, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a period in which automatic control is not performed, and a difference in comfort due to the occurrence of the first period and the second period does not occur in the air-conditioned space. Therefore, when the plan to which the user has subscribed is a high-priced plan, the comfort of the air-conditioned space can be maintained.

[0198] (Technology 7) A control method for an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit, wherein a computer of the air conditioning system generates both a first period in which automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioning unit is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, when a user has subscribed to a service plan related to the air conditioning unit, and generates the first period that is longer than the first plan, when the plan subscribed to by the user is a second plan different from the first plan. According to this, the same effect as that of the air conditioning system described in the first technique is achieved.

[0199] (Technology 8) A program that causes a computer of an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit to function as an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning unit, and the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, when the plan for a service related to the air conditioning unit to which a user has subscribed is a first plan, and generates the first period that is longer than the first plan, when the plan to which the user has subscribed is a second plan that is different from the first plan. According to this, the same effect as that of the air conditioning system described in the first technique is achieved. [Industrial Applicability]

[0200] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the air conditioning system, the control method for an air conditioning system, and the program according to the present invention can be used for automatically controlling the set temperature of an air conditioner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0201] 1. Air conditioning equipment 2 Terminal Equipment 3 Management Server 4. Weather Server 11 Indoor unit 12 Outdoor unit 13 Remote Control 14 Communication equipment 30 Server control device (computer) 31 Server communication device 300 Server Processors 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Acquisition Department 303 Update Department 304 Automatic control unit 305 Management Department 310 Server Memory 311 Control Program (Program) 312 1st management DB 313 2nd management DB 1000 Air Conditioning System AD Collected Data H Facility MD Management Data NW Network RD Operation Data S Air conditioned space SD setting data

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned by an air conditioning device, an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device; a management unit that manages service plans related to the air conditioning apparatus that users have subscribed to, The automatic control unit When the plan managed by the management unit is a first plan, both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed are generated; When the plan managed by the management unit is a second plan different from the first plan, the first period is generated, the first period being longer than the first plan; When the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan, the first period and the second period are alternately generated at predetermined intervals. Air conditioning system.

2. The automatic control unit When the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan, determining whether the user has requested execution of the automatic control; When it is determined that execution of the automatic control is requested, both the first period and the second period are generated. The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

3. The automatic control unit When it is determined that execution of the automatic control is not requested, the first period is not generated, but the second period is generated.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 2.

4. The second plan is a more expensive plan than the first plan. The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

5. The automatic control unit When the plan managed by the management unit is the second plan, the first period is generated while the second period is not generated.

5. The air conditioning system of claim 4.

6. A control method for an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning device, comprising: The computer of the air conditioning system When the service plan for the air conditioning device to which the user has subscribed is a first plan, both a first period in which automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioning device is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed are generated; If the plan subscribed to by the user is a second plan different from the first plan, the first period is generated, the first period being longer than the first plan; When the plan subscribed to by the user is the first plan, the first period and the second period are alternately generated at predetermined intervals. How to control an air conditioning system.

7. A computer in an air conditioning system that conditions the conditioned space using an air conditioning device, functioning as an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device; The automatic control unit When the service plan for the air conditioning apparatus to which the user has subscribed is a first plan, both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed are generated; If the plan subscribed to by the user is a second plan different from the first plan, the first period is generated, the first period being longer than the first plan; When the plan subscribed to by the user is the first plan, the first period and the second period are alternately generated at predetermined intervals. program.

Images